A Smarter, More Accessible Approach to Simulation and Task Training

Sim*Vivo was established in 2008 with a singular focus: helping health professions programs deliver effective, practical surgical skills training in real teaching environments.

From the beginning, Sim*Vivo has developed integrated Surgical Learning Systems designed to support structured, competency-aligned instruction—both inside and outside the simulation lab. Each system provides the essential materials needed to teach a specific skill using standardized, appropriate tools, eliminating reliance on improvised, inconsistent, or outdated training supplies.

Our approach is grounded in the realities of academic instruction. We believe effective skills training depends on accessibility, repeatability, and consistency, not unnecessary complexity. By keeping our systems practical and institution-ready, programs can expand hands-on practice opportunities, support distributive learning, and maintain instructional control across cohorts.

Using established surgical education frameworks as reference models, Sim*Vivo has developed foundational systems for suturing, knot tying, bowel anastomosis, and dissection skills that combine standardized practice materials with guided instruction and competency-oriented assessment. These systems allow learners to progress at their own pace while giving faculty a reliable baseline for teaching and evaluation.

In support of broader simulation needs, Sim*Vivo also offers Sim*Supply providing simulation laboratories with a curated range of high-quality surgical training supplies selected for instructional use.

Complementary instructional tutorial videos are available to support initial skill acquisition and reinforce proper techniques. Together, Sim*Vivo’s Learning Systems enable programs to build cohesive, scalable surgical skills curricula that support medical students, residents, nursing programs, and other health professions learners.

Who We Are

John B. Fortune, MD

CEO, Managing Partner
As an active trauma surgeon and surgical educator, John noted several years ago that there was a need for learning systems and task trainers that could provide the learner with all of the materials necessary for learning a single surgical procedure to an acceptable level of competence. In response to this perceived need, he started Sim*Vivo, LLC, specifically to provide learners the opportunity for deliberate and distributive practice to best learn the tasks at hand. Affordability was also another key concept in his quest to provide simulation laboratories and individual learners the best equipment and supplies at prices far under those currently on the market. In the past year, he opened Sim*Supply as a subsidiary to solely focus high quality supplies that would eliminate the need to scour the OR and hospital for outdated or discarded materials. He has recently developed additional learning systems for dissection skills and GI anastomosis. On the drawing board are plans for modules focused on vascular repair and anastomosis, and flap manipulation. If you have questions or suggestions, please contact him at John@sim-vivo.com. 

Brooks Fortune

General Counsel
Brooks Fortune is a graduate of The Colorado College and the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, where he served as Executive Editor of the Denver Law Review. He has substantial experience defending and counseling healthcare and other professional institutions. Before joining Sim-Vivo and Thoravations, Brooks regularly counseled technology firms on a wide range of matters. He brings to bear practical solutions to his clients’ complex business problems. Brooks is licensed to practice law in Colorado and Vermont and has been admitted pro hac vice in numerous jurisdictions.

In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and young children. He resides in a very old house in Waterbury Center, Vermont. He can be contacted at brooks@sim-vivo.com

Tina Killoran

General Manager
Tina joined us shortly after our move to Naples, FL. With experience working for numerous large companies including Kohl's, ABC, Publishers Clearinghouse, and the Barnes & Noble catalog division, she brings a wealth of knowledge to Sim*Vivo. She will be streamlining our operational processes as well as handling sales, marketing, social media, and helping with product development. She can be reached at tina@sim-vivo.com.

Rebecca D. Tinker

Business Manager
Becky is the business manager and customer liaison for Sim*Vivo.  She has a background in the financial sector and was a welcome addition to Sim*Vivo five years ago.  If there are questions about your order or shipping, Becky will certainly be happy to help. She can be reached at Rebecca@sim-vivo.com.

 

                                                                                      Sim*Vivo Business Manager Rebecca Tinker and Dr. Fortune